patsal

I went to my regular doctor in July. I told him I was tired of the rollar coaster ride with weight loss and regain and asked if he thought I might be a good candidate for a lap band. Got referral from him. Called Specialist--in my case the Dr. won't see you until you complete a test on the internet, get a psych eval, see the nutritionist, finally the Dr. will meet with you, then after the exam and a very long discussion surgery is scheduled. My time frame looks like this July PC July call bariatric center July take internet test August psych eval September nutitionist November see surgeon January Pre-op testing at hospital Jan 26th pre-op testing Jan 27th Regualr Dr. For clearance Jan. 28th begin pre-op diet February 12th surgery Feb 23rd Post op appt. I believe each dr. is different in their approach. I think that around here, this center is the busiest and they kind of make you jump through hoops to be sure you really are interested. There is another dr. in the area that requires different things. This was just the one I wanted to go to. For me insurance was not submitted to until after the meeting with the psych and nutritionist as well as the initial consult with the dr.

The one that was successful basically had her head in the game. She followed the diet given to her from her surgeon, exercised and was willing to invest in the process of losing weight and giving up the things that she knew got her to her high weight in the first place. She was fine with giving up carbonated beverages and with giving up foods she thought she couldn't live without. Once the weight was off, she still stays clear of carbonated beverages becasue she doen't want to stretch her stomach, knows that no food is bad for you in and of itself, but that all things that led to her high weight need to be used in moderation now that she is at goal--a few bites of chocolate cake not the whole piece or whole cake. Her surgery is her tool to keep healthy. The one that was not successful believed it would be the magic thing that made her thin. She refused to give up her favorite things and drinks a lot of carbonated beverages. She is not willing to work extra activity into her busy schedule and will eat that whole piece of cake. She stretched her stomach back out and is not restricted to help her feel full anymore. As a result she has put on weight after her initial weight loss. The reason the doctor had me talk to both of them is because he wanted me to know that it doesn't always work if you are not invested in your own outcome.

Thank you all so much for your replies. It is reassuring to know others have been concerned about the same thing, but that the lapband will work. I am aware of the "cookies" and ate them very consciously knowing that I would not be doing that in the future. On New year's day they were thrown out--something I have never done with food before, so I am making changes. Since I have been following South Beach Christmas to New Year's day is the only time I spent off of it, and the whole house has been transformed. Very little junk food is in the house--I have teenagers so that is why there is some. DH is now at goal weight from following the plan, DD is down 20 pounds--she isn't as restricted and I give her more dairy and fruit since she is 14. DS is 18 and does his own thing. I have no intention of dealing with Cookies after being banded until I reach goal--though I amy jsut forego them completely since I know compulsive eating is what has gotten me where I am today. At the Dr. Office when I asked about the band, he made me talk to two people who work in his office, one who was successful and one who was not though both had the regular bypass surgery, talking with them both was very helpful in my decision. I really appreciate you all!

I can't answer all fo your questions, but I do know the answer to some. 1. Shoulder pain is caused from the trapped air left in your body when they do the surgery--they have to "blow you up" a bit to get to everything! 2. Tummy sleepers cannot get comfy in that position after surgery 5. I hope so I only have a week off from work!

I have not started my pre op diet yet, I don't start until the 28th, but I was looking it over to be sure to pick up the stuff I needed when I shop over the next two weeks. 4 protien shakes using Unjury, can add one more serving of the "food" items if one shake is prepared with water rather than skim milk. Breakfast 1 pkg cream of wheat and 1 protien shakemade with skim milk Morning snack 1/2 cup sugar free pudding Lunch 1 smooth sugar free yogurt and 1 protien shake with skim milk afternoon snack 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce Dinner 1/2 cup lowfat cream soup and 1 shake with skim milk before bed 1 shake with skim milk

Well, I am still waiting for the hospital to call me to schedule the pre-op tests, then all my ducks will be in a row. I just reviewed the liquid diet--not looking like that will be remotely satisfying, but I will do what I have to to be sure I am healthy and ready for the surgery--with no doubt some whining along the way to be shared with all of you!:w00t:

Yes! I guess I will see you there.

#1. Surgery date? 2/12/10 #2. State you live in? NY #3. Doctor/Surgery Center? Synergy Bariatrics #4. Insurance or self pay? Insurance #5. Age and height 42 (but I will be 43 by surgery date) 5 foot 2 #6. Current weight and goal weight? 267 goal fo 132 #7. What was your deciding factor for having this surgery? Tired of losing, gaining, gaining more, losing, gaining back, gaining more... #7. Do you have the support of family and friends? Some #8. Concerns and questions? Not sure yet!